3D surface roughness evaluation of surface topography in ultrasonic vibration assisted end grinding of SiCp/Al composites

In order to investigate the effect of ultrasonic vibration and cutting conditions on surface quality accurately, the grinding experiments of SiCp/Al composites were carried out. And a comprehensive analysis to characterise the machined surface topography with 3D roughness such as amplitude parameters and spatial parameters was presented. The experimental results indicate that the machined surface of ultrasonic vibration assisted end grinding is filled with peaks and dales and the surface texture is almost isotropic. Ultrasonic vibration can tremendously improve the machined surface performance, comparing with conditional grinding. And low surface roughness value can be obtained in the conditions of high spindle speed, large vibration amplitude, low feed rate and small cutting depth.